Thursday, February 12, 2009

Ash who?

In journalism one of the first lessons we are taught is to look out for the 5 Ws and 1 H in a story. Ashwin is now plaguing me with the Who questions these days. He wants to know who made/ bought/gave the things he comes across.
Today as we sit in the auto on way to his school, he asks me: 'Who made this auto? '
'The Bajaj company,' I tell him.
'Who made the floor mats on this?'
I am flummoxed for an answer. 'People who make floor mats.' I tell him.
'Who made the seat covers?'
I give an equally unsatisfactory answer.
'Who made the auto meter?'
The autodriver's face breaks into a smile. 'Ashwin Electronics in Coimbatore.' Thankfully I can read the answer on the meter itself.
'What is this next to it?' A bottle holder, I explain.
'How come that auto doesnt have it?'
'Its driver didnt want it.'
'Why didnt he want it?'
By now, I am tired and irritated and my thoughts are elsewhere. 'Will you keep quiet?'
He stays quiet for a minute, and asks: 'Who built Appa's office?'
'Masons, carpenters...'. Yesterday my answer had been 'construction workers'. But he trusts any answer I give.
Which means I have a new responsibility - to be able to give the right answers for all his questions. His dad doesnt have the patience or time for questions most of the time, and directs him to me. So he comes to me with, 'This appa doesnt know anything, tell me the names of the Kings who came to see Jesus.' That is his new fascination ever since I brought home the Mary's Boy Child and other Christmas songs CD by Usha Uthup.
"Know what?" he tells his dad. 'Usha aunty's father has gone to heaven.'
V looks at me in surprise.
I tell him sheepishly that I had told Ash that Usha Uthup's father was no more, when he propped equestion ('Where is Usha aunty's Appa') to me.
Forgive me Usha Uthup aunty if I gave the wrong answer in a moment of impatience.

1 comment:

Anonymous said...

hi,
does nt look like we have that much patience either.. i say go ask Daddy too.
sometimes the questions are when tired.
Good he is asking ??????//
take care.
ust

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